What Is A Ghostwriter?

ghost writer

“They actually do exist!”

No, ghostwriters are not ghoulish, scary, and undead individuals who write and produce content for other people, but they are ordinary people like you and me. Allow me to put it this way, for instance, you walk into a bookstore and pick out a book. Right before you is the title, and underneath the title, you can see the author’s name.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Probably that the author is the one who originally wrote the entire book. However, would you believe me if I tell you that the book was entirely written by someone else? Well, I am sorry to burst your bubble. Certain books have been written by other writers and not by the published author.

I must tell you that, today, I shall be talking about writers who never receive any recognition, but they are pretty content with it. So, here’s what you need to know.

What Is A Ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is someone who happens to write and produce content for other people. Ghostwriters are pretty similar to freelancers, but there is a minor difference. Freelancers tend to get credit for their work.

When a freelancer works on a project, they eventually receive credit for their work, and their names are not concealed. However, with ghostwriting, it is the complete opposite. Ghostwriters do not get their names printed, published, or shared with anyone.

They are non-existent in the writing world. The only people who know them are their clients and the people who hire them. I know what you are thinking right now. You might be asking yourself, “If they don’t get credit for their work, then how do they end up making a living for themselves?”

Well, let’s find out.

How To Become A Ghostwriter?

Before entering into the field of ghostwriting, you must have plenty of experience as a freelance writer. It would be best if you had several works published under your name, and you need to work with different clients to earn yourself a reputation within the writing circle. Once you begin to understand the ‘dos and don’ts’ of freelance writing, afterwards, you can start your ghostwriting journey.

Becoming a ghostwriter is easy, but if you do not have any prior writing experience, clients may not trust you. The first thing that you need to have as a ghostwriter is ‘credibility’. People want experienced writers to produce content for them. If you want people to trust you with their work, you need to establish a name for yourself.

Do Ghostwriters Get Paid?

This is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions that freelance writers tend to ask, which is, “Do ghostwriters get paid? And if they do, is it any good?” The answer is yes, and ghostwriters indeed get paid for their work. Even though their names might not be publicly revealed, but they still get paid for their efforts. However, there are a few things that every ghostwriter should know before getting involved in the business.

Firstly, you need to set up a reasonable word count rate for yourself. Each word paid a certain amount of money after project completion, the entire sum is going to be paid as a whole. But make sure that you do not charge your clients $100 per word. They might end up ghosting you.

Secondly, either take a small amount in advance or get paid in full when the project comes to an end. Prepare a contract for yourself where you put in all your terms and conditions. Make sure to let your clients know about how the payment process works to avoid complications.

Lastly, if you are writing a book for another client, then you need to have a certain percentage fixed for the book’s gross profits.

Why Do We Need Ghostwriters?

Why shouldn’t we? I mean, who would mind having their work garnished to perfection by an experienced writer. Plus, when you hire a ghostwriter, you are not only hiring someone who can write, but you are hiring someone who can produce more ideas for you. Let’s face it. We all tend to struggle with ideas and creative writing. It would be rather splendid to have someone who can produce creative content for us and provide us with enhancive ideas to polish our next possible New York Times Best Seller.

So, do you have what it takes to become a ghostwriter? Are you prepared to reveal your writing abilities rather than your identity? Then I suppose ghostwriting is the ultimate avenue for you.

About Kelly Hamilton

The writer happens to be an established author and freelancer. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching young and aspiring authors.

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